Throughout the years, the Faculty of Orthodox Theology at the University of Belgrade has honored the memory of its professors and students who, through their spiritual journeys, academic pursuits, and devout lifestyles, have made a lasting impact on the Church. Their dedication to faith and knowledge was acknowledged, and their efforts were richly rewarded by the Lord.
The commemoration of these saints, who were both educators and learners at the Faculty, commenced with a solemn vigil at the Chapel of Saint John the Theologian. The service was led by Bishop Ilarion of Novo Brdo, who serves as the Vicar of the Serbian Patriarch.
On the actual feast day, February 6, 2025, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia presided over the Divine Liturgy, joined by Bishop Isihije of Valjevo and Bishop Ilarion of Novo Brdo, as well as Protopresbyter Dr. Zoran Ranković, the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, and various clergy members, former students, and current students of this esteemed theological institution.
After the Gospel reading, Bishop Ilarion delivered a sermon, and the celebratory offerings were blessed at the conclusion of the service.
Read Patriarch Porfirije’s Homily:
“May the prayers of those who taught and studied here—now recognized as saints and witnesses of God’s truth—be with us. Let us emulate their journey, understanding that our purpose is to strive for perfection, just as our Heavenly Father is perfect.
Theology is not merely an academic discipline or a form of art; it is the highest of all sciences and the supreme art, encompassing intellect, thought, speech, and action. True theology is only realized when we pray with humility and repentance—then our words truly embody theological essence, and we become authentic theologians.
A genuine theologian is one who prays to the Lord, seeking transformation through His presence and grace. This principle is beautifully expressed in our Church tradition:
If you desire to be a genuine theologian, pray with spirit and truth; if you pray with spirit and truth, then you are a true theologian.May we be granted the grace to follow the example of the saints we honor today—those who both learned and taught at this institution—because in their entirety, they embodied the essence of theologians in the likeness of the First and Only True Theologian, our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Son of God, He revealed the complete truth about God and simultaneously about humanity.
May this celebration be blessed, and may the prayers of these holy theologians—and all the saints—be with us, so that united with them, we may glorify the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
Source and photos: Serbian Patriarchate
